Other base spirit Negronis
Other base spirit Negronis

Other spirit-based Negroni recipes

Swapping from Negroni's classic gin base to another spirit is not new. Indeed, the bourbon-based Boulevardier first appears in Harry McElhone's 1927 book Barflies and Cocktails, two years before a recipe for a Negroni, even then that recipe was actually for a "Campari Mixte". The first printed recipe for a "Negroni" I know of was not until 1949.

And why stop at just one base spirit? There are plenty of 'split-based' cocktails below and examples of where the spirit base has led to the introduction of related liqueurs.

Amber Negroni image

Amber Negroni

This very serious Negroni has great depth of flavour with mocha coffee and bitter gentian.
Banana Boulevardier image

Banana Boulevardier

Some things are just so wrong that they're not only right, but deliciously so. This riff on a classic Boulevardier is such a cocktail.
Benny Blanco image

Benny Blanco

A bittersweet and lightly chili spicy aperitivo to awaken your taste buds.
Boulevardier Cocktail image

Boulevardier Cocktail

Basically, a Negroni with bourbon replacing gin. The original 1927 recipe calls for equal parts, but I've previously favoured a 3:2:2 (45ml bourbon, 30ml
Caffè Negroni image

Caffè Negroni

Coffee-infused vermouth replaces your standard rosso vermouth in this aptly named Negroni variation.
Casa Savoia Boulevardier image

Casa Savoia Boulevardier

A delicious riff on a classic Boulevardier with just two ingredients.
Celebration image

Celebration

Reminiscent of a brandy-based Negroni served straight-up.
Cocogroni image

Cocogroni

Your choice of coconut rum will significantly impact this riff on a classic Negroni; many so-called coconut rums are liqueurs or verging on being liqueurs,
Dolce-Amaro image

Dolce-Amaro

The very apt name translates as 'bittersweet'.
Dutch Count Negroni image

Dutch Count Negroni

Genever's flavoursome character adds malty notes to an otherwise traditional Negroni.
El Pedroni image

El Pedroni

Tequila replaces gin in this Negroni variation. Not an easy option.
Golden Hour image

Golden Hour

This cocktail's hue befits its name and character, as its best enjoyed as an aperitivo during the golden hour.
Irish Boulevardier image

Irish Boulevardier

Blended Irish whiskey replaces richer bourbon in this mellow yet dry riff on the classic Boulevardier.
Jabroni image

Jabroni

Overripe banana delicately influences this tequila-based Negroni.
Kingston Negroni image

Kingston Negroni

The huge character of pungent rum is matched with a bittersweet liqueur and sweet vermouth combo. Not for everyone but a Negroni riff worth trying.
Left Hand image

Left Hand

The Negroni meets a Manhattan in this straight-up riff on a Boulevardier.
Maximiliano image

Maximiliano

The subtly smoky notes of mezcal combine brilliantly with the aromatic bittersweetness of gentian liqueur in this fabulously complex White Negroni-like
Mezcal Negroni image

Mezcal Negroni

This mezcal-influenced Negroni is an interesting take on the classic, which will be appreciated by mezcal aficionados.
Munich Negroni Western Style image

Munich Negroni Western Style

A nutty riff on a Negroni with a lingering bittersweet hazelnut finish. The dark (high cocoa content) chocolate and orange slice garnish brilliantly befits
Negroni Sbagliato image

Negroni Sbagliato

This lighter-styled Negroni has some bitterness but lacks the gin punch and character of the original Negroni.
Negroni Tredici image

Negroni Tredici

A amaro riff on the Negroni.
Oaxacan Negroni image

Oaxacan Negroni

Mezcal lends a characterful smoky note to this complex riff on a classic Negroni.
Old Pal image

Old Pal

Classically an equal parts three-ingredient cocktail comprising: 30ml rye, 30ml bitter liqueur and 30 ml dry vermouth. This produces an overly dry bittersweet
Old Pal No. 2 image

Old Pal No. 2

On the dry bitter side of bittersweet, it may take three sips before your palette appreciates this Negroni-style aperitivo.
Orange Negroni image

Orange Negroni

Orange and bitter liqueur combine well, especially when supported by sweet vermouth.
Right Hand image

Right Hand

This rum-based Negroni may make you wonder why you've been drinking gin Negronis all these years. The Right Hand is usually served straight-up in a coupe
Rum Negroni image

Rum Negroni

I started with a classic three equal parts Negroni, simply subbing rum for gin, but the rum was masked by the bitter liqueur so I boosted rum notes with
Rye Boulevardier image

Rye Boulevardier

A rye whiskey-based Boulevardier with both the generous measure of rye and its high alc./vol. making this a boozy but tasty aperitivo or digestivo.
Sake Negroni image

Sake Negroni

A bittersweet aperitivo with sake and vermouth.
Scotch Negroni image

Scotch Negroni

On the bitter side of bittersweet and, depending on your Scotch, faintly smoky.
Sin Cyn image

Sin Cyn

A single malt whisky laced twist on a Boulevardier with Cynar replacing the familiar Italian red bitter liqueur.
Sophisticated Dane image

Sophisticated Dane

Caraway, spice, spirituous and on the bitter side of bittersweet. If you like Negronis and aquavit then this is for you.
Soufriere Negroni image

Soufriere Negroni

Bittersweet and delicately spiced.
Spiced Plantain Negroni image

Spiced Plantain Negroni

A lightly spiced, banana-influenced Negroni that's edging to the sweet side of bittersweet.
Spiced Rum Negroni image

Spiced Rum Negroni

Mellow and slightly sweet with flavours of caramel, chocolate and rich orange.
Toffee Negroni image

Toffee Negroni

There's no toffee in this Toffee Negroni in the same way there's no coffee in the Coffee Cocktail yet both drinks are aptly named and delicious.
Trade Winds image

Trade Winds

Coconut water adds dilution and subtly flavours this brandy-based cocktail with sweet vermouth and subtle notes of chocolate and aromatic bitters.
Tsipouro Negroni image

Tsipouro Negroni

Just as it says on the tin, it's a Negroni but based on Greek grape-based Tsipouro.
White Mezcal Negroni image

White Mezcal Negroni

Muscular notes of mezcal and gentian square up to each other but are softened and made to play nicely by bianco vermouth.
White Negroni Piña Colada image

White Negroni Piña Colada

Just as it says on the tin – a White Negroni crossed with a Piña Colada, but the delight of crossbreeding is a tasty mezcal-based mongrel of a cocktail.
White Negroni Sbagliato image

White Negroni Sbagliato

The lovechild of the White Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato, this bittersweet aperitivo dominated by gentian liqueur so the first couple of sips may be challenging
Mane of Needles image

Mane of Needles

For Negroni-lovers seeking depth of flavour, complexity and refinement.
Yellow Negroni image

Yellow Negroni

As the name suggests, this pisco-based, five equal parts, vivid yellow bittersweet aperitif was inspired by the classic Negroni and three of the world's
Flying Negroni image

Flying Negroni

Perhaps better named Flying Americano as this is an Americano fortified with brandy.
Tequila Negroni image

Tequila Negroni

Reposado rather than banco tequila, and a rosso alla vaniglia vermouth rather than a rosso vermouth, help round this tasty riff on a classic gin-based
Odessa image

Odessa

Spirit-forward and bittersweet with the tang of arrack, laced with gin. Perhaps best served on-the-rocks as an arrack-influenced riff on a Negroni.
Panamericano image

Panamericano

A pisco-based riff on a White Negroni.
Edsel image

Edsel

A dry and mildly spicy Negroni Sbagliato variation.
Welcome to Difford's Guide

All editorial and photography on this website is copyright protected

© Odd Firm of Sin 2025